Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine—who pleaded guilty to making a sex video with a 13-year-old girl and who was recently accused of beating a longtime girlfriend—is starring in an anti-domestic violence Valentine’s Day commercial for a New York City chain of sex shops, Consequence of Sound reports. In the video for Romantic Depot, the music artist tells a store employee that he and a female companion are looking to “spice things up.” The worker cautions Tekashi, whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez, to know his partner’s limits. “I agree. When I was younger, I used to make a lot of stupid mistakes,” he replies. “But I’m ready to learn more.” After celebrity tattoo artist Donna Marie Lombardi appears on screen to tell viewers to pick up a pamphlet on domestic violence prevention when visiting the store, Tekashi closes with: “Thanks Romantic Depot. I now know how to treat women with dignity and respect.”
It’s not clear when the commercial was filmed; Tekashi was arrested on gang-related charges in November and pleaded guilty as part of a cooperation deal earlier this month. His longtime ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Sara Molina, told The Daily Beast last week that he beat her repeatedly during their relationship. Romantic Depot did not respond to requests for comment. According to Consequence of Sound, the commercial does feature a disclaimer stating: “In no way does Romantic Depot support Tekashi 6ix9ine’s past activities.”
Read it at Consequence of Sound
